Our lodge went through some changes over the past 10 years. In the late '00s, we repeated WMs and barely had enough officers to fill the line. Currently, we have a full line (of young men!) and are in great shape. I can't put my finger on what changed, though. Either way, the result is great for the health of our lodge. ]]>
Mon, 31 Jul 2017 10:00:37 +0000http://forum.mastermason.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12581&PID=139955#139955http://forum.mastermason.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12581&PID=139007#139007
Author: Sec'yBobSubject: 12581Posted: May/14/2016 at 6:25pm

My current Lodge has similar issues: although there are around 200 registered, dues-paying Brethren (we lost a few when our annual dues increased to 65.00), only about 15-20 are in regular attendance. We can fill the chairs, but the body looks awfully thin. The good news is that most of the regulars are younger men (mid-30's to 40's) and have taken active roles in running the Lodge. It appears that, while our numbers are not increasing, our Lodge is far from dying out.

The reading that I have done in relation to the history of the Craft in America is admittedly limited, but I have noticed this trend toward decline more than once in our existence: the causes vary, but the fact that Lodge membership recovered from these declines is unarguable. I shouldn't worry over-much about those who call for radical changes in our philosophy and/or practices as the only way to save our Brotherhood ...... Freemasonry has survived far worse than the hiccups we are experiencing today. The cowans and eavesdroppers knocking at the Gate will soon enough wear out their delicate knuckles on the adamantine portal (either that or get blade-whipped by a diligent tyler).

I think this could sum it up quickly. We may be able to continue as a fraternity, and a charitable organization of good works if we would drop the "god" requirement. Other than that... It is my belief that, much like religion itself; our organization is doomed to die out over the next century or so...

If we were to drop the belief in God requirement I think we would end as a fraternity within a few months. I'm very sure that many more existing members would leave than atheists would join. There may be a few atheists who would like to join but I don't think there are that many.

I think you hit it. All fraternities in America seem to be declining: college fraternities are dwindling; Veterans associations are falling; here in Boston several 'Boy's Clubs' have closed; Elk clubs, Beaver Clubs, Rotary Clubs, etc.. are shrinking; yacht clubs are struggling; libraries are underutilized; museums are closing doors. Religion: the Catholic Church [my faith] has less than a 13% turnout and fewer young men are opting for the priesthood.

Other once popular fraternities such as: Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Junior Order United American Mechanics, Modern Woodman of America, Knights of the Maccabees, Knights of Honor, Improved Order of Red Men, Royal Arcanum, et. al... are all but extinct.

So its not just Masonry that is being affected by 'secular humanism'.

Examine which 'fraternal' type organizations are healthy and active? Political and Business associations seem to be thriving. Sci Fi fantasy clubs are booming. Computer 'hacker' and 'gamers' are extremely popular. Young minds are lined up to join Anonymous and other underground 'dark net' activities.

In college, for example, at MIT: there are about 1200 Computer science majors, about 900 Electrical engineering majors, an entire business school full of students (Sloan), about 500 physics majors - yet only 12 Philosophy majors and 5 English majors and 10 History majors, etc. etc. etc.

So in my estimate, anything that has to do with liberal arts or 'existential' activities seems to be on the wane.

It appears that some 'marketing' must be done by Masons to boost membership without compromising what it is that makes Masonry special.

Not being a Mason I consider this to be an objective opinion. Hope this helps.

Well, if you've read some of my other posts on here, or my signature below for that matter, you'll know that I disagree with you whole heartedly 100%. Being to this very day still one of the most religious nations on the planet, I believe the very LAST thing we need is more religion. It's time we leave religion and other superstitious nonsense in the past where they belong, and move forward as a society as so many others have already done.

Our fraternity ballooned in size during the period after the second world war. "Fraternalism" was popular and many, many men became masons for the wrong reasons. What we see now, at least to some degree, is the natural resizing of the lodges as the "sunshine patriots and summer soldiers" fall by the wayside and those who are seeking light in the truest sense take control of the craft. Look for wonderful growth in our fraternity in the future, albeit at an abbreviated pace, as young men come to us for the right reasons.]]>
Mon, 09 May 2016 07:57:09 +0000http://forum.mastermason.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12581&PID=138944#138944http://forum.mastermason.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=12581&PID=138943#138943
Author: Sec'yBobSubject: 12581Posted: May/09/2016 at 6:46am

I do see your point, and it is probably right on target. religion is fading away.

I was raised on religion, and I am steadfast in my faith and my belief. This country was founded by people of great faith, they came here looking for a way to practice without penalty or repression.

My time at Lodge [at least during opening and closing], is as solemn and peaceful as if I were in church and I relish that.

My opinion is [my .02 worth] is that we need to get back to religion, we need to rally and have a revival, and take this country back-but I will stop here, I am leaning to religion and politics. LOL

I think this could sum it up quickly. We may be able to continue as a fraternity, and a charitable organization of good works if we would drop the "god" requirement. Other than that... It is my belief that, much like religion itself; our organization is doomed to die out over the next century or so...